Princess Anne has officially opened the Banchory and District Men’s Shed.
The Princess Royal visited the Deeside group on Wednesday, and heard about the work they do – not only as a hobby, but to help their community, during a tour.
She then unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening before being presented with a bird box made by member Alan Pumfrey.
Chairman Paul Evans said: “We are honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to mark the opening of our men’s shed,”
“It has been heartening to see this project finally come to fruition after many hurdles.
“It can now go forward as a resource for men in our community who are looking for new social contacts and activities, for example, after retirement.”
Banchory Men’s Shed teams up with Legion Scotland
Banchory Men’s Shed launched in 2015, and is underneath the town’s Legion Scotland base at Ravenswood Country Club on Ramsay Road.
The base opened last February, but due to Covid was forced to close its doors until June.
The group is the first to link up with Legion Scotland to further promote its members’ well-being and any other ex-servicemen in need.
Executive officer of the Scottish Men’s Shed Association Jason Schroder championed the collaboration between the two groups since 2015, and is delighted to see the work come to fruition.
Members can take part in a variety of activities, ranging from woodwork, silverwork to computing. It is not only a place for members to socialise, make friends and develop hobbies but they also support the community.
Alastair Black, Legion Scotland’s area chairman for Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine attended the event along with Kincardineshire’s Lord Lieutenant Alastair Macphie and deputy Claire Maitland.